Objective To map and critically appraise the available evidence on oral cancer screening policies in Latin America, focusing on policy initiatives, their implementation, and reported outcomes. Methods A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were performed across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and official Ministry of Health documents addressing oral cancer screening activities integrated into National Oral Health Policies (NOHP). Quantitative and qualitative data were synthesized through descriptive analysis and visual mapping tools. Results Evidence from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, El Salvador, and Paraguay met the inclusion criteria, revealing marked heterogeneity in the scope and organization of screening initiatives. No Latin American country has implemented a dedicated standalone oral cancer screening policy. Instead, initiatives were incorporated into broader NOHP, primarily through visual oral examinations for detecting potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer. Brazil and Chile demonstrated the most comprehensive frameworks, integrating prevention, professional training, and surveillance, while other countries exhibited fragmented or limited approaches. Persistent disparities in infrastructure, policy continuity, and data reporting hinder evaluation of program effectiveness. Conclusion This synthesis reveals a critical gap in the implementation of evidence-based oral cancer screening programs across Latin America, emphasizing the need for sustainable policy frameworks to promote equitable access.
Santos-Silva et al. (Mon,) studied this question.